Mitering drafting machine for the development of isometric views



Jan. 10; 1967 J. D WOLF MITERING DRAFTING MACHINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISOMETRIC VIEWS Filed June 22, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR.

JESSE DAVID WOLF BY MMQ/ ATTORNEYS Jan. 10, 1967 J. D. WOLF 3,296,701

MITERING DRAFTING MACHINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISOMETRIC VIEWS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 22, 1964 INVENTOR.

JESSE DAVID WOLF ATTORNEYS Jan. 10, 1967 J. D. WOLF 3,296,701

MITERING DRAFTING MACHINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISOMETRIC VIEWS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 22, 1964 INVENTOR.

JESSE DAVID WOLF ATTORNEYS United States Patent Filed June 22, 1964, Ser. No. 376,841 2 Claims. (Cl. 33-77) This invention relates to a drafting machine of the type used in the construction of an isometric view of an object from either two or three fiat views thereof.

The machine of this invention employs a modified horizontal rule and a modified vertical guide for movement of a modified protractor head. Novel means are incorporated in the present machine so that the vertical guide can be used to miter 30 to the left or right of the normal vertical position to utilize the design features of the modified horizontal rule during the drafting work. In the machine of this invention the modified vertical guide can be moved vertically both when in the vertical position and when in the miter position. This permits the modified horizontal rule to reach the bottom of the drafting area when the conventional vertical guide normally would be shortened during its use for the miter effect. By the use of the machine of this invention a person can draw isometric views from flat views without having been trained in descriptive geometry.

The principal object of this invention is to provide an improved drafting machine which greatly facilitates the construction of isometric views.

Another object of this invention is to provide a drafting machine which enables a person untrained in descriptive geometry to construct easily and quickly isometric views.

Another object of this invention is to provide a drafting machine of increased flexibility in drawing applications.

Additional objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description which is given primarily for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

Briefly stated in general terms, the drafting machine of this invention includes a modified vertical guide mounted to rotate about 30 both to the right and to the left of the vertical in combination with a modified horizontal rule carrying two upper straight edges fixed to each other to form an included angle of about 150 and each forming an angle of about 15 with the horizontal. Each of the two upper straight edges is provided with a rule slidably mounted thereon and oriented vertically thereto. The modified horizontal rule also has two lower straight edges, each forming an angle of about 30 with the horizontal. The modified horizontal rule also carries a modified protractor head centered relative to the four straight edges.

A more detailed description of a specific embodiment of the invention is given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the drafting machine mounted on a drafting table;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing the upper end of the vertical guide and its relationship with the horizontal guide and the horizontal guide dolly;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view in partial cross section taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view in partial cross section taken along 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing the lower end of the vertical guide;

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing the connection Patented Jan. 10, 1967 "ice of the vertical guide dolly base to the extension arm of the horizontal rule;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the horizontal rule without the extension arm;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the development of an isometric view from an end view and a front view by the use of the drafting machine of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a similar schematic diagram showing the development of an isometric view from three flat views by the use of the drafting machine of the invention.

As seen in FIG. 1, the drafting table 10 is the normal rectangular table. The modified horizontal rule 11 is'attached to the modified vertical guide 13 by a conventional clamp 12. The modified vertical guide 13 extends from the top to the-bottom of the table and is movable horizontally across the drafting surface.- Modified vertical guide 13 pivots at point'14 just-above the upper horizontal edge of table 10 on the pivot bracket base 21 which rides inside the vertical guide 13, see FIG. 4.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 can be seen the cross sections of the horizontal guide 17 and the vertical guide 13, and the horizontal guide dolly 16 which permits vertical guide 13 and related parts tomove horizontally .across the drafting surface. In FIG. 3 can be seen the details of horizontal guide dolly 16 as it rides within horizontal guide 17. Dolly 16 has two fixed position wheels 16a and two spring loaded-wheels 16b. Spring 16c abuts against a spring anchor 16d, see FIG. 2. These wheels 16a and 16b both guide and support dolly 16 as it travels within horizontal guide 17. As the cross section reveals, horizontal guide 17 has a recess 17a formed in the lower portion thereof that opens to the back side thereof. Said recessed portion 17a is circumscribed in part by two opposed surfaces 17b each of which has a groove formed therein. The wheels 16a, 16b of the dolly 16 ride within these grooves 170. The depth of the grooves 17c allows the dolly 16 to hang from the guide 17. When a laterally directed force is appliedto vertical guide 13 horizontal guide dolly 16 glides along horizontal guide 17. A brake 18 which is biased by a spring 18a that is mounted against a spring anchor 18b controls the movement of dolly 16. When the brake lever 19, see FIG. 5, is operated the brake plunger 19a allows the spring loaded brake 18 to press the brake shoe 18c against the inside of horizontal guide 17 to fix the relationship between horizontal guide 17 and horizontal guide dolly 16 and thus-fix the lateral position of the vertical guide 13 over the drafting surface.

The horizontal guide dolly base 20 has an extension which serves as the base for the pivot bracket base plate 21, an assembly which permits vertical guide 13 to miter, to be raised above the drafting surface, and to move vertically in any of the three positions. Horizontal guide dolly 16 has a center pivot hole at 14 and three alignment holes at 22a, 22b and 220 which are used in locking vertical guide 13 in one of the three positions, that is, vertical in 22b, and 30 to the right or left in 22c or 22a, respectively. The pivot bracket base plate 21 has a center pivot hole at 14 and a single alignment hole at 21a, see FIG. 4, which maybe positioned over one of the three alignment holes 22a, 22b or 220 in dolly 16 to provide the desired alignment. The left side of pivot bracket base plate 21 supports the alignment pin guide 23 to assist in placing the pin 24 through the pivot bracket base plate 21 and into the horizontal guide dolly base 20. Members 25 and 26 serve as a spacer between horizontal guide 17 and vertical guide 13 and as a support for pin or shaft 27 upon which is mounted the rocker plate 15a of the pivot bracket dolly 15. Rocker plate 15a is in turn connected to base plate 15b.

As previously stated, the pivot bracket dolly is sup ported upon shaft 27 which is disposed between members and 26. Members 25 and 26 are held spaced apart by a brace member 28, see FIG. 4. Dolly 15 is mounted upon base plate 15b which in turn is attached to two fixed position wheels 15c and two spring loaded wheels 15d to guide vertical guide 13 parallel to the sides of the dolly 15. Each of the wheels 15d is mounted upon a corresponding member 15e. Each member 152 is biased by a spring 15 which is mounted upon a spring anchor 15g, see FIG. 2. When brake lever 29, FIG. 5, is operated the brake plunger 29a releases the brake shoe 30a, see FIG. 2, at brake 30 from the inside of the guide 13 and vertical guide 13 can be moved vertically as may be required, particularly when the mitering of the vertical guide brings the lower end thereof above the desired drafting surface. Brake'30 is biased toward one side of the vertical guide 13 by a spring 30b which is seated against a spring anchor 36c.

As shown in FIG. 3 vertical guide 13 rides above shaft 27, horizontal guide 17 and its dolly 16. In FIG. 5, the three brake levers 19, 29 and 31 on the left side of vertical guide 13, respectively, control operation of horizontal guide dolly 16, pivot bracket dolly 15 and the alignment pin 24 which allows vertical guide 13 to miter to the left or the right of the vertical. These levers 19, 29 and 31 each operate a plunger or solid wire inside a separate flexible outer shell to provide linear motion at the point of desired action.

FIG. 6 shows one of the fixed wheels 32a and one of the spring loaded wheels 32b of the extension arm 33 for supporting the protractor head 34 and horizontal rule 11, see FIG. 1. Each wheel 32!) is biased by a spring 32c against a spring anchor 32d. A spring loaded brake 35 acts to lock the vertical guide dolly in fixed relationship with the vertical guide 13 when the brake control lever 36 is positioned in the down position. The extension arm swivel 37 on the dolly base 38 allows extension arm 33 to be placed in the upright position to clear the drafting area. The tension screw 39 and pivot 40 in the anchor 41 on the extension arm 33 allow the arm to swivel while assuring proper alignment with the dolly base 38. The swivel 42 at the far end of extension arm 33 accepts the protractor head mount 43, see FIG. 7, to secure it in proper alignment and to permit slight movement to make certain that the modified horizontal rule 11 remains fiat on the drafting surface.

FIG. 7 shows protractor head 34 mounted over the center of the modified horizontal rule 11. The angle 44 in the top center of the rule is 150. The sliding vertical rules 45 and 46 move along the vertical rule guides 47 and 48, respectively,-and are held upright by internal springs (not shown) in the bases of the respective sliding vertical rules. The lower edges 49 and 50 of horizontal rule 11 taper upwardly 30 from the horizontal as shown at 51 and 52. Both of these angles 51 and 52 are used in the development of the various views, as explained hereinafter.

The purpose of the machine disclosed herein is to facilitate the transfer of data between two or three fiat views of a drawing and from these fiat views to an isometric view so that the detailing of the flat views and particularly the isometric view will be accomplished with less technical skill but specifically with much less time required for the completion of the views. The procedure employed in connection with the machine of this invention is to rearrange the positions of the flat views and of the isometric view to be developed for easier transfer of data to the isometric view and to make use of two unique mechanisms as part of the drafting machine to allow easy and rapid construction of all the views by transferring a maximum amount of data from one view to another.

Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the side view 56 and the right end view 57 constitute two fiat views in a horizontal plane. In addition, they are drawn to slope at a 15 angle to the horizontal which tilts them downward and toward the center of the drawing space. To properly allocate space for the two views 56 and 57 and the isometric view 58 to be drawn it is necessary to envision the approximate size and shape thereof. First, the center 59 of the space reserved for the isometric view 58 is selected. From the center 59 a reference line 61 sloping 30 downward and toward the right is drawn. T hen, from a selected point 62 a line 63 sloping downward 15 and toward the center of the drawing space or beneath the center of the isometric View 58 area is drawn. Next, from the center 59 of the isometric view 58 area is drawn a reference line 64 vertically down to intersect line 63. Now, starting from the center 59 of the isometric view 58 area, a 30 downward sloping line 66 is drawn toward the left. From the intersection point of the vertical line 64 and the 15 sloping line 63, a reference line 68 is drawn to the left sloping upward 15 until it intersects with the downward sloping 30 line 66 at 67. The extreme points 67 and 62 on the left and right, respectively, formed by the intersection of the downward sloping 30 lines 66 and 61, respectively, and the upward sloping 15 lines 68 and 63, respectively, mark one of the corners of the views 56 and 57 and accurately describe the outer limits of the side and right end views 56 and 57.

Now, the centerline 69 of the horizontal rule 11 is placed over the centerline 64 passing from the isometric view 58 area downward. The horizontal guide dolly 16 is locked in this exact position through the appropriate positioning of lever 19. The horizontal rule 11 is moved until the top of the rule covers the reference lines 68 and 63 running from the centerline 64 upward 15 and toward the corners 67 and 62, respectively. The lengths of the base lines 70 and 71 of the left and right views 56 and 57, respectively, are struck along the rule 11, on the 15 downward slope lines 68 and 63 beginning in the exact corner 67 and 62, respectively, as described by the intersecting lines 66, 68 and 61, 63, and moving toward lower center point 61). The sliding vertical rules 45 and 46 are moved so that they cover the outer corners 62 and 67 of each view and vertical reference lines 72v and 73 are struck upward from one end of the base lines 70 and 71 of each view 56 and 57. Vertical rules 45 and 46 are moved toward the center 60 to the other end of the measured base lines 70 and 71 of each view 56 and 57 and another set of vertical reference lines 74 and 75 are struck upward. The heights of both the left and right views 56 and 57, respectively, are marked on the four reference lines '72, 74, 75 and 73. The horizontal rule 11 is moved upward until the rule rests over the height marks. It travels vertically over the reference centerline 64 because horizontal guide dolly 16 holds the horizontal position. The top lines 76 and 77 between the vertical reference lines 72, 74 and 73, 75 for both the left and right views 56 and 57 are struck off. Since the front and end views 56 and 57 are necessarily the same height the height can be transferred from one to the other with the horizontal rule 11. The side reference lines are darkened in to complete the outline of the rectangle describing the outer limits of the two views 56 and 57.

The horizontal guide dolly brake 18 is released and the horizontal rule 11 is moved until the lower edge 49 of the rule rests with the center point just to the left of the left side view 56. Using the lower edge 49 of the rule 11, reference lines 78, 79, 80 and 81 are struck from four corners of the left view 56 through the space for the isometric view 58. The horizontal rule 11 is then moved until the lower edge 50 rests to the lower right of the right end view 57 and reference lines 82, 83, 84 and 85 are struck from four corners of end view 57 through the space for the isometric view 58. The horizontal rule 11 is then rotated until one of the upper edges 86 or 87 is horizontally disposed. The sliding vertical rule 45 or 46 of that arm is used to connect the left, the right and the center points of the diamonds which have been created by the intersection of the eight reference lines. Similar reference lines and connecting lines are drawn to complete the boundaries of the isometric view 58. Details from the two flat views 56 and 57 are transferred and connected in the manner described until isometric view 58 is completed as shown.

The development of the isometric view from three fiat views is an extension of the procedure given above in the two view development. The three flat views 88, 89 and 90 are arranged so the side view 88 is disposed vertically underneath-the top view 89. These two views are made to slope toward the isometric view area 91 on a 15 line. The right end view 99 is made to slope 45 off vertical with the top left corner 92 being nearest to the intended isometric view position 91. The extreme points of views 88, 89 and 90, as measured from the center of isometric view 91, form the corners of an equilateral triangle and the center of isometric view 91 is at about the center of the equilateral triangle. To construct the side and right end views 88 and 90, vertical guide 13 is mitered so the lower end thereof is disposed 30 to the right of a vertical position. The alignment pin control lever 31 is actuated to release vertical guide 13. Vertical guide 13 is rotated around point 14 30 to the right until the alignment pin spring (not shown) drives alignment pin 24 into alignment hole 22c. Vertical guide 13 now is above the lower edge of the drafting surface due to the mitering of the vertical guide. The pivot bracket brake control lever 19 is actuated and vertical guide 13 is drawn down to the lower edge of the drafting surface. Brake lever 19 is then returned to the normal position. The procedure for locating the isometric view 91, the side view 88 and the right end view 90 is the same as for the two view development given hereinabove with reference to FIG. 8, except that the work is done on the 30 miter to the right. After constructing side view 88 and right end view 90 the development of top view 89 is undertaken. This is accomplished by an extension of the procedure given above as should now, in light of the above description, be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the drafting art. This is accomplished as follows.

Return the vertical guide 13 to the vertical position and move the guide 13 upward to return it to its normal position. Rotate the horizontal rule 11 clockwise until the centerline 69 is horizontally disposed. Position the centerline 69 of the horizontal rule 11 so that it rests over the reference line 93 from the isometric view area to the right. Lock the vertical guide dolly brake 18 to keep the horizontal rule 11 in the desired position. Move the rule 11 until edge 86 rests over the left side of the side view 88 and by using edge 87 strike a reference line 94 for the left side of the proposed top View 89. Move the rule 11 to the right until it rests over the right side of the side view 88 and strike a reference line 95 for the right side of the top view 89.

Release the alignment pin control lever 31 and move the vertical guide 13 so it will miter 30 to the left. Rotate the horizontal rule 90 clockwise, in which position it will now be inverted or 180 out of normal, and place the centerline 69 of the rule 11 over the reference line 96 from the isometric view area to the side view 88. Lock the horizontal guide brake 18 to keep the rule on the desired miter position and then release the pivot bracket dolly brake to move the vertical guide down, if required. Normally it would not be necessary to lower the vertical guide for this portion of the work but development of views in lower sections of large plates may require it. Move the rule until the edge 87 is aligned with the right side 97 of the end view 90 and by using edge 86 strike a reference line 98 which intersects with reference lines 94 and 95. Move the rule downward until the left arm rests over the left side of the right end view 90. Strike a reference line 99 for the left (bottom) side of the top view 89. Use the sliding vertical rule as well as the top arm of the horizontal rule to darken the outline of the top view.

Return the vertical guide to the true vertical-position, release the brake horizontal guide dolly and rotate the horizontal rule 180 so as to return it to the normal position. Rotate the horizontal rule 15 clockwise to position edge 86 horizontally. Transfer the four corners of the right end view horizontally across and through the isometric view area 91. Rotate the horizontal rule an additional 15 clockwise and use edge 87 to transfer the four corners of the top view 89 through the isometric view area. Rotate the horizontal rule 45 counterclockwise and use the lower edge 50 to transfer the four corners of the side view 88 to the isometric area 91. The trained eye of the draftsman will easily recognize the six rectangles which have been created by the intersection of the twelve reference lines. Three reference lines from right end view 90 three reference lines from the top view 89 and three reference lines from the side view 88 can be darkened to establish the outline of the isometric view. Any details which appear on the fiat views can similarly be transferred to the isometric view.

It will be readily apparent from the above description that a unique method and apparatus for constructing an isometric view of an object from either two or three flat views thereof has been described. Further, this achievement may be easily and readily accomplished by a person who is not trained in the field of descriptive geometry.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the exact embodiments of the machine and method shown and described, which is merely by way of illustration and not limitation, as various other forms and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications.

What is claimed is:

1. A drafting machine which comprises horizontal guide means for mounting on a drafting board, vertical guide means coupled to the horizontal guide means for pivotal rotation to the right and left of the vertical and for longitudinal movement of the vertical guide means in any orientation thereof, means cooperatively associated with the horizontal guide means and the vertical guide means for positioning the vertical guide means to the right and to the left of the vertical, horizontal rule means coupled to the vertical guide means, and two straight edges mounted on the horizontal rule means inclined about 15 to the horizontal and inclined toward each other to form an included angle of about and two straight edges slidably mounted respectively on said two straight edges and disposed at right angles to said two straight edges.

2. A drafting machine for development of isometric views from flat views which comprises horizontal guide means for mounting on a drafting board, vertical guide means coupled to the horizontal guide means for pivotal rotation to the right and left of the vertical and for longitudinal movement of the vertical guide means in any orientation thereof, alignment means cooperatively associated With the horizontal guide means and the vertical guide means for positioning the vertical guide means at an angle of about 30 to the right and to the left of the vertical, horizontal rule means coupled to the vertical guide means, two straight edges mounted on an upper side of the horizontal rule means inclined about 15 to the horizontal and inclined toward each other to form an included angle of about 150, two straight edges slidably mounted respectively on said two straight edges and disposed at right angles to said two straight edges, and two additional straight edges mounted on an under side of the horizontal horizontal.

rule means 7 and inclined about 30 to the References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Nunamaker 33-77 X McDonald 3379 Cunningham 3376 8 FOREIGN PATENTS jection, by R. P. Hoelscher; Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 34, November 1943, pp. 233-244.

LEONARD FORMAN, Primary Examiner.

Shick 33-77 10 H. N. HAROIAN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A DRAFTING MACHINE WHICH COMPRISES HORIZONTAL GUIDE MEANS FOR MOUNTING ON A DRAFTING BOARD, VERTICAL GUIDE MEANS COUPLED TO THE HORIZONTAL GUIDE MEANS FOR PIVOTAL ROTATION TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT OF THE VERTICAL AND FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT OF THE VERTICAL GUIDE MEANS IN ANY ORIENTATION THEREOF, MEANS COOPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HORIZONTAL GUIDE MEANS AND THE VERTICAL GUIDE MEANS FOR POSITIONING THE VERTICAL GUIDE MEANS TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT OF THE VERTICAL, HORIZONTAL RULE MEANS COUPLED TO THE VERTICAL GUIDE MEANS, AND TWO STRAIGHT EDGES MOUNTED ON THE HORIZONTAL RULE MEANS INCLINED ABOUT 15* TO THE HORIZONTAL AND INCLINED TOWARD EACH OTHER TO FORM AN INCLUDED ANGLE OF ABOUT 150*, AND TWO STRAIGHT EDGES SLIDABLY MOUNTED RESPECTIVELY ON SAID TWO STRAIGHT EDGES AND DISPOSED AT RIGHT ANGLES TO SAID TWO STRAIGHT EDGES. 